NHL Playoffs: Preview and Prediction for Game 3 of Rangers vs. Capitals

The first two games of the Rangers vs. Capitals series have come as a surprise, as the team with the most shots has lost each game; something you wouldn't expect from a team that relies on their goaltenders as much as these two.  

As we head into Game 3, the Capitals will look to take the series lead on their home ice. 

Unanswered Questions

How many minutes will Alex Ovechkin play? 

Whether it was a punishment for the way he's played, or simply changing things up after a Game 1 loss, Dale Hunter gave Ovi just 13:36 of ice time in Game 2; six minutes less than his average in the regular season.  

Despite the reduction, Ovechkin came up huge, picking up the game-winning goal in the third period. Was the big play enough to get his minutes back to normal? Or will Dale Hunter keep the minutes lower with hopes of a repeat?

Can Braden Holtby stay strong? 

Braden Holtby's performance in the first round against Boston was spectacular, as he managed to hold his own for the entire series. 

His first stumble came in Game 1 of Round 2, when he allowed three weak goals on just 14 shots. While he managed to bounce back in Game 2, his ability to stay consistent is now in question.  

Can Ryan Callahan find his game?

Rangers captain Ryan Callahan was a force in the first round of the playoffs, leading the team past the Ottawa Senators. But he appears to have hit a wall with no points so far in this series. While his 16 hits through two games leads the team, he'll need to find his offense to regain the momentum in this series.  

Prediction

Braden Holtby is the real deal, and has the perfect mindset for the playoffs. When something goes wrong, he doesn't make excuses, dish out blame or ask why; he identifies what he did wrong and fixes it.  

Tonight, I expect Holtby to outplay Henrik Lundqvist at the other end. 

While Ryan Callahan will likely return to form and get his name on the score sheet, his performance will be overshadowed by Alex Ovechkin's, who will feed off the energy of the game-winning goal in Game 2.  

Score prediction: 4-2 Capitals